[mcjames]

I have pvc on the hot pipe and wanted to know if this is safe and if not what can be done? Also its been sitting on wooden floor for 2 years is this safe. I haven't had any leaks.

[hkstroud]

No, PVC cannot be used for hot water. However CPVC can. Some codes require a PRV (pressure reducing valve) on the output line of a water heater if CPVC is used.

Nothing wrong with water heater sitting on a wooden floor.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Guys...

No PVC or CPVC for a minimum of 24" off the water heater. Here, copper tubing should be run to 24" off the water heater and then you can transition to the plastic piping.

In my area, PVC is fine for cold water piping, but CPVC is required for hot water piping. If you have plastic piping everywhere, make sure the grounding system of the house is properly wired.

I have, however, recently heard of an 1120 ASTM approved PVC for hot water use but have not seen it being used yet. Perhaps this is what you have in place, Mcjames? To check, read the print on the hot water piping and post it back here and we can confirm for sure.

Finally, an ELECTRICAL water heater will be fine on a wood floor (as Hkstroud said). A gas water heater, on the other hand, would not be allowed to sit directly on a combustible floor.

Back to you...

Mark

[massplumber2008]

Hi P&F...

As much as fire rating may be an issue in many cases, it is not a case in this instance as PLUMBING CODES say that PVC is accepted for use with cold water and with the newer PVC pipe even hot water tubing in residential plumbing systems.

As mentioned above, most plumbing codes require that you keep any thermoplastic piping at least 24" off any appliance that has to do with heating water (water heaters, boilers, etc.)... ;)

Thanks for posting...

Mark